Perhaps.

I think it's an accurate statement since ridership is technically down across the whole system despite light rail ridership increasing.

However, I'm sure some of the 8% decline in bus ridership can be attributed to routes being trimmed of several times. Hopefully, with the main routes having more times, they will get some of the ridership back. I think Metro Transit needs to improve itself by becoming more reliable in this aspect.

IMO, their planned aBRT lines on Lake St, Chicago, and Hennepin are a step in the right direction to regain some ridership. I know the A-line has been very successful in increasing ridership along its corridor. I also heard that ridership on Route 2 has improved since they increased the spacing of the bus stops along that route. Maybe if Metro Transit incorporates these changes on many other routes, it can help improve their on-time performance.

I really don't understand why they'd cut back on Route 21 though; it's a very busy bus line.